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A bowl of homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce with fresh cranberries and oranges

Cranberry Orange Sauce

A festive cranberry orange sauce that brings a zesty twist to traditional meals, featuring the perfect combination of tart and sweet flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 8 servings
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries Rinse and discard any mushy ones.
  • 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
  • 1 orange, zested Adds vibrant citrus flavor.
  • 1 cup sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Enhances flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Adds warmth.
  • 1 cup water To combine with other ingredients.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any that are mushy or unripe. Set them aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the water, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and ground ginger. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Cooking

  • Add the cranberries and orange zest to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for about 15 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Serving

  • Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a bowl or an airtight container. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator before serving.

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Notes

For extra flavor, add fresh lemon juice. Adjust sugar to preferred sweetness. For a smoother sauce, blend after cooking; for chunkier, mash with a fork. Sauce can be served hot, warm, or chilled.
Keyword Cranberry Sauce, Holiday Side Dish, Orange Sauce, Thanksgiving